Sleeping in Airports

Sleeping in Berlin Brandenburg Airport

sleeping in berlin brandenburg airport
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (photo courtesy of a guest reviewer / September 2022)

If you have a layover at Berlin Brandenburg Airport, you’ll probably wonder if there are any places to catch some zzzs before your flight. The airport opened in 2020, just before the Pandemic, so reviews were limited. Luckily, since the world started spinning again, the airport has welcomed many travellers and airport sleepers who have shared their favourite places to sleep in Brandenburg Airport. This sleep guide will tell you all you need to know about getting a night’s rest.

If there’s anything we’re missing, please write a review and share your own experience. This will help us keep this guide up-to-date with the latest Brandenburg Airport information.

Can I Sleep at Brandenburg Airport Overnight?

Brandenburg Airport is open 24 hours, and the earliest flights take off from around 5:00 AM, so you might decide to skip the hotel room and camp at the airport instead!

You won’t be alone, as many other travellers often choose to do the same thing at Brandenburg Airport. Luckily, to cope with demand, sleeping pods provided by Napcabs have recently opened up within Terminal 1 of the airport. Only four pods are available to rent, so you’d need to be quick. Napcabs charge per hour. From 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, they cost €17 p/h, and from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, they cost €12.

If you don’t manage to access one of the sleeping pods, you will probably have to make do with the cold floor of the airport. Bring a sleeping mat to camp out and some extra layers to keep warm.

Where is the Best Place to Sleep in Berlin Brandenburg Airport?

If you’re airside looking for a place to nap, you may be more successful in Terminal 1, where you will have some luck with flat benches or armrest-free seating. Some travellers have reported sleeping on the couches outside Starbucks, but most recent reports suggest they lock them up at night, making a comfortable couch sleep impossible. Instead, if you walk past Starbucks, you will find long wooden benches outside the Silent Room. It’s not the most comfortable, but it’s marginally better than sleeping on the floor!

Others have reported plenty of floor space to spread out and set up camp. Again, bring a mat and extra layers to keep comfortable!

If you don’t make it airside, some travellers have reported couches to sleep on outside of a burger restaurant on the second floor.

Are There Showers Available at Berlin Brandenburg Airport?

If you’ve spent a few hours snoozing on the airport floor, you’ll be relieved to know showers are available to freshen up before your flight. The showers are available in the arrivals area of Terminals 1 and 2 on level E0.

Is There a Lounge at Berlin Brandenburg Airport?

Lounge Tempelhof can be accessed by all travellers, regardless of airline or class of service flown, by purchasing a day pass, lounge membership or paying at the door. Find out more about lounges available at Berlin Brandenburg Airport in our Lounge Guide.

What Is Open 24 Hours at Berlin Brandenburg Airport?

We’ll be honest, the short answer is not much. The airport is open 24 hours a day, but currently, there are no 24-hour shops or restaurants. In Terminal 2, a few Coca-Cola vending machines sell a selection of hot or cold drinks and snacks. Some concessions are open in correspondence to flight times, so if you arrive late, you can get a sandwich from a bakery stall at the train station. Throughout the airport, you can also find water fountains where you can refill your water bottles. For more information about what is available at the airport, visit our Berlin Brandenburg Airport Guide.

Are There Any Hotels Within Walking Distance of Berlin Brandenburg Airport?

If you decide that a night of sleeping rough isn’t in the cards, a few hotels are within walking distance of Berlin Brandenburg Airport.

At Terminal 1, the Steigenberger Airport Hotel is a 50 m walk from the terminal building. Another option is the InterCityHotel Berlin Brandenburg Airport is at Terminal 5 and just an 8-minute walk away from Terminals 1 & 2.

For other nearby hotel options, check out TripAdvisor to see a list of hotels near Berlin Brandenburg Airport. You can sort these options by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity to find the best hotel for your preferences.

Is It Safe To Sleep in Berlin Brandenburg Airport?

We’ve not been informed of any safety issues at BER, but it’s always best to keep your wits about you, and if you’re not feeling safe, opt for an extra cup of coffee and sleep on the plane!

As a precaution, here are a few tips to ensure you have a safe airport sleeping experience:

  • Know Where Security is Located. Whether you are sleeping in the airport alone or with friends, it is good to know where security is. Know where their office is located and look for video cameras where you decide to stay the night. Ask security where it is safe to spend the night. They’ve probably seen many airport sleepers before you, and they will direct you to a safe spot.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you are travelling alone, we recommend that you sleep near other travellers or close to security.
  • Hide Your Valuables. Don’t leave all your mobile devices out in plain view. We have received reports from people who woke up with only earphones and a laptop bag strap, but without the attached iPods or laptops. The same goes for important documents and money. Keep these secure on your body so no one can get them without waking you up.
  • Secure Your Bags. You may want to padlock your bag to something if you are a deep sleeper. If your bags have zippers, turn the bag upside down (zippers to the floor) or sleep with your bag up against the wall, making it hard for someone to access it.
  • Choose to Stay Alert. If you don’t feel safe, drink coffee, stay alert, and stay awake. You can always sleep on the plane!

Can You Share Your Experience of Sleeping in Berlin Airport?

Help us keep this page up-to-date for future airport sleepers, and please write a review about your experience sleeping in Berlin Brandenburg Airport.